- What is andrey-helldar/env-sync used for in Laravel?
- It is a Laravel/PHP package for keeping .env files in sync. It compares your env files with example templates, adds missing keys, and updates values so configuration stays consistent across local, staging, and production setups. Use it when .env.example drifts from real environment files.
- How do I install env-sync in a Laravel project?
- Install it with Composer using composer require andrey-helldar/env-sync, then follow the package README for any Laravel service provider or configuration publishing steps. Validate that Composer resolves the package cleanly against your Laravel, PHP, and Symfony component versions. Run your test suite after installation before promoting the change.
- Does env-sync 4.1.0 support Laravel 11 and Symfony 7?
- Version 4.1.0 adds Symfony 7 support, which improves fit for Laravel 11+/Symfony 7-era dependency stacks. Confirm the package's Composer constraints allow Symfony 7 alongside your exact Laravel version. Also verify whether Symfony 7 support is additive or replaces older Symfony support.
- Will upgrading env-sync to 4.1.0 break my existing Laravel app?
- The 4.1.0 release is described as a minor compatibility upgrade adding Symfony 7 support, with no documented breaking changes or migration script. Treat it as a routine minor upgrade, but test dependency resolution and run your application test suite. Teams on older Laravel or Symfony 6 stacks should confirm backward compatibility or pin the previous minor if needed.
- How does env-sync keep .env.example up to date?
- It compares your actual env files with example templates and identifies missing keys. It can then add missing keys and update values so the example and environment configuration stay consistent. This helps prevent onboarding and deployment issues caused by stale .env.example files.
- Can env-sync sync .env.staging and .env.production files?
- The package is intended for keeping environment configuration consistent across local, staging, and production setups. It compares env files and example templates and can add missing keys or update values. Check the README for the exact file paths and options supported in your version.
- Does env-sync modify .env files or only report differences?
- env-sync can modify env files and templates by adding missing keys and updating values. Because it changes environment configuration, review diffs and back up important files before running it. Prefer testing in a branch or staging environment first.
- Is it safe to run env-sync in production?
- Running env-sync in production can change environment configuration, so it should be treated as a controlled deployment step rather than a blind routine. Back up env files, review the diff, and validate in staging before production rollout. The 4.1.0 Symfony 7 compatibility release does not imply runtime throughput changes, but it still warrants regression testing if env-sync is in a critical path.
- Can I use env-sync in CI to check for env drift?
- env-sync can help catch drift between env files and example templates, making it useful for CI checks when run against sanitized or non-secret templates. Avoid exposing production secrets in CI and confirm the package's behavior in a test lane. If you only need validation, review the README for reporting or dry-run options.
- What are the alternatives to env-sync for Laravel environment files?
- Alternatives include manually maintaining .env.example, writing custom comparison scripts, or using other env-sync utilities available in the PHP ecosystem. Choose based on Laravel version support, Symfony component compatibility, and whether you need automatic key addition or just drift reporting. env-sync is specifically aimed at comparing env files and example templates.